As the much-anticipated latest novel of Sara Sheridan, author of Fair Botanists, The Secrets of Blythswood Square had a lot to live up to, and a big shadow to step out from. But this riveting novel rose to and exceeded the challenge.

The Secrets of Blythswood Square follows Charlotte Nicholl and Ellory Mann as they find their ways in Glasgow - one, a recent heiress who uncovered her late father’s dark secret, and the other, a photographer granted an unexpected chance at independence and success.

Sara Sheridan proves once again that she can write compelling and sympathetic stories for her characters, detailing aspects of life that are often overlooked. In Blythswood Square, Sheridan demonstrates her mastery of the craft.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this novel, particularly Jeremiah Catto and his inner monologue. Seeing our main characters, Ellory and Charlotte, step into themselves and their potential was immensely satisfying. This was a book that was very easy to get into, and very hard to put down!

Sheridan paid attention to issues contemporaneous to the novel, weaving the story of Frederick Douglass into her fictionalised Glasgow women’s lives and providing further reading at the end of the book.

All in all, this is yet another exceptional read from Sara Sheridan. I can’t wait to see what she publishes next!!!

Thank you to NetGalley UK and Holder & Staughton for their gratis copy.

Unfortunately, I ran out of time due to personal circumstances so was not able to read, really sorry for any inconvenience.

Ellory is fascinated by the world of photography and managed to get a job assisting Mr Hill alongside her disapproving cousin in Edinburgh. She knows her place but still managed to take pictures for her own portfolio dreaming of the future when she may become a photographer herself. An unexpected stroke of good fortune means Ellory is able to start her business in Glasgow. Her path crosses that of Charlotte Nicholl who recently has lost her father leaving her bereft in a sea of disapproval. She relied on her father for all guidance but cannot face the prospect of marriage even to her childhood friend Murray. Charlotte and Ellory become friends helping each other navigate the hazards of society and when Charlotte finds a disturbing cache of art she finds Ellory the only person she feels able to turn to. A fascinating, atmospheric story which I greatly enjoyed.

Thank you for the opportunity to give my honest opinion on this book.

I absolutely loved it, finished it within 2 days. A lighthearted and funny read. I enjoyed how it touched on the struggles of women, politics and social classes with out becoming too heavy or boring. The twists and scandals were easy to follow. Would happily recommend this book.

I absolutely love Sara Sheridans books. They’re so easy to get into and so hard to put down.

The Secrets of Bythwood Square is no exception. It’s a great story populated with excellent, believable characters and woven with rich historical detail.

You can always rely on Sara for feisty independent women and in BS, the main characters are two women from very different backgrounds. Charlotte Nicholl is an heiress who is left to deal with her fathers secrets after his death and Ellory Mann, a working class girl trying to make her way in the male dominated world of photography. Both women fight against their upbringing and the restrictive society expectations of 19th c Scotland to make new lives for themselves and the reader is urging them on at every step.

In The Fair Botanist the author breathed life into 19th century Edinburgh. However the setting for Blythswood Square, - 19th Glasgow is a harder task. Glad to say that she absolutely nailed it. The hustle and vibrancy, the industry, trade and the poverty of the city is vividly brought to life. You can almost smell the Clyde and hear the horses and carts on the street.

Great range of characters in this one too from ambitious, flamboyant Jeremiah Catto and local busybody Mrs Grieg (grrr) to the inclusion of real life figures such as Frederick Douglass

Another excellent read from this author. Highly recommend

Thanks to Netgalley & Hodder for the chane to read an advance copy